Causing my brother to stumble

The church today is divided. That much cannot be debated. There are the obvious denominational divisions, but more troubling is the division in the Catholic (universal) church and the Churches of Christ whose beginning vision was to restore the unity of the first century church. These two "brands" of Christianity are uniquely dedicated to unity, yet because of unyielding obeisance to matters not of the cross, (Latin mass, priestly celibacy, a capella worship, institutional financial support, etc.) there is animosity and bitterness within the brotherhood.

To be clear, we're not discussing issues that bring about legitimate division here. For example, much has been made about certain Catholic politicians support of abortion and their ability to remain part of the communion. The position one holds on the sanctity of human life cannot be open to debate. What is disturbing are the divisions within the body over cultural practices and non-essential doctrines that are in effect hampering the body's ability to function effectively for the cause of Christ. Paul addressed this to the Romans as well:

19So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

20Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.

21It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

22The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Paul sets the standard pretty clearly here. There are two main objectives with regard to the practice of our Christianity:

1. Whatever we do should be done for the pursuit of peace, edification, and encouragement of the Body of Christ so that His work might be done. Paul makes it very clear here and throughout his epistles that Christ's sacrifice freed us from making the legalistic determinations that plagued the Pharisees. "All things are clean." In I Corinthians 10:23, Paul clarifies this even further by saying, "All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial." Rather than getting caught up in divisive debates, Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to seek out the edification and encouragement of one another. What if the church today had that attitude?

2. Paul very emphatically tells us that our practice must be grounded in faith. This would preclude practice by rote, which is all too present today. Related to the first principle, Paul tells us that we should be careful not to do anything that would cause our brother to stumble.

Can the church return to this ideal: a faith and practice that is truly concerned with the unity of the body rather than pursuit of self-righteousness? That is our call, and we will not be acting as the Body of Christ until we can get there.